Overview
- From 25 February 2026, visa‑exempt visitors to the UK must obtain a paid Electronic Travel Authorisation or eVisa, with Irish and dual citizens exempt.
- EU border changes continue with the Entry/Exit System already live and a €20 ETIAS pre‑travel authorisation for most travellers under 70 due later in 2026, valid for three years once approved.
- From January 2026, junk‑food adverts are barred before 9pm on TV and at any time online, covering products such as sugary drinks, sweets, pizzas and ice creams.
- Statutory Sick Pay rises to £123.25 a week and the National Living and Minimum Wage rates increase from 1 April 2026, followed by the removal of home‑working tax relief on 6 April affecting about 300,000 people.
- New or pending 2026 measures include DWP powers to deduct benefit fraud overpayments directly from bank accounts, a Scotland‑wide ban on plastic wet wipes, and a UK ban on reselling event tickets above face value.